The family of the late Jeff Schwarz, a Fishers resident who died of brain cancer in 2023, has given $10 million to Indiana University to create a new neuro-oncology research center in his name.

IU announced Sept. 24 that the gift creates the Jeff Schwarz Center for Neuro-Oncology Research at the IU Melvin and Bren Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center. The center will study brain cancer, cancer that has spread to the brain and other neuro-oncology conditions. It will bring together lab scientists, translational researchers and clinicians to get new therapies to patients faster.

The IU School of Medicine is adding $5 million, bringing the total investment to $15 million. The center is in new research space in the school’s Medical Education and Research Building.

Schwarz, an IU alumnus, met his wife, Jill, when both were students in Bloomington. He was diagnosed with glioblastoma, an aggressive brain cancer, in late 2022 and died in November 2023.

“Jeff and I always shared a love for IU, and it is so meaningful to create something permanent at our alma mater in his name,” Jill Schwarz said. “Our family believes research is the key to better treatments for patients with brain cancer, and we are so proud IU will do that work in Jeff’s memory.”

IU President Pamela Whitten said the family’s generosity “will help IU recruit the brightest minds in neuro-oncology and advance innovations that bring new therapies, new possibilities and new hope to patients and families.”

The gift includes endowed funding for two faculty positions: the Jeff Schwarz Senior Professor in Neuro-Oncology Research and the Jack Schwarz Professor in Neuro-Oncology Research.

Dr. Scott Boden, dean of the IU School of Medicine, said the school’s $5 million commitment “reflects how strongly we believe in the potential of this center and the work that will happen here.”

The donation builds on earlier support from the family. In 2022, Schwarz and his family started the Schwarz Family and Friends Cancer Research Fund. That fund allowed the cancer center to hire Jia Shen, an assistant professor of medical and molecular genetics. Shen’s lab at IU Bloomington studies how to keep glioblastoma from coming back, and also studies brain tumors in children.

The gift is part of IU’s Never Daunted fundraising campaign.

Nearly 25,000 people in the U.S. are expected to be diagnosed with brain or other nervous system cancers this year, according to the National Cancer Institute. The five-year survival rate is less than 33%.